Navy free to decide specifications for littoral mission ship procurement, says Tok Mat

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that the Navy will have the autonomy to choose the littoral mission ships (LMS) that best fit Malaysia’s requirements. The Defence Minister revealed that a Navy committee has completed its evaluation of nine companies. He added that the Navy, as the end users, will determine the model to be procured, its specifications, and the combat roles. Subsequently, government-to-government negotiations will be conducted, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the relevant countries and the final contract for the vessels. Mohamad made these statements while addressing questions on the procurement process of the LMS during the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review in Parliament on Sept 18. The question was raised by Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) on the similarity of government-to-government negotiations to direct negotiations.

In February of this year, the government granted approximately RM2.5 billion under Budget 2023 for the procurement of three vessels, known as the “LMS second batch”. These ships constitute the first three vessels in a class of eight, and are part of the Navy’s “Rolling Plan 3” of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, mentioned that bids for the LMS have been received from France, Italy, Turkiye, South Africa, and Germany.

Mohamad also emphasized that he would not tolerate any irregularities concerning the proposed contract with Thales for the supply of a long-range air surveillance radar for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). He expressed his seriousness regarding the allegations, as it involves the integrity of the Defence Ministry. Mohamad urged Datuk Awang Hashim to present evidence if there are any concerns, so that appropriate investigative agencies can take action. The question raised by Awang Hashim addressed the deal with Thales, which is currently under investigation by French prosecutors due to bribery allegations related to a contract worth USD2.5 billion (RM11.7 billion) for the modernization of the Indian Air Force’s Dassault Mirage 2000 planes. Awang Hashim also claimed that Thales has been involved in other questionable deals.

Mohamad highlighted the importance of caution in regards to the placement of the long-range air surveillance radar in Bintulu, Sarawak, which is intended to monitor the South China Sea. Thales was granted a letter of intent and signed the letter of contract during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 in May of this year.